This Horsham Silo Art is a stunning and impressive street artwork created by an Australian born street artist Sam Bates, aka SMUG, in May 2022. An information board erected outside the disused grain silo site depicts the background of the creation of this artwork and the story of the aboriginal person drawn in the mural.
The silo art was titled "Yangga Dyata - Walking on Country,". It commemorates an aboriginal Wotjobaluk warrior and leader, Yanggendyinanyuk. The artwork celebrates his life, achievements, and connection to the Wimmera region of Victoria.
Yanggendyinanyuk was a skilled tracker, as demonstrated by an incident in the winter of 1864. While working as a boundary rider at Mt Elgin station, a desperate father sought Yanggendyinanyuk's help in finding his three young children who were lost in the dense Natimuk scrub.
Despite the challenging circumstances, including heavy rain that had washed away any traces of the children’s tracks, Yanggendyinanyuk, accompanied by two other Aboriginal trackers, embarked on a search.
With remarkable skill and knowledge of the area, he navigated the terrain and eventually discovered the three children, barely alive, after an exhaustive eight-day search.
I believe Smug was trying to tell this incident in the picture of Yanggendyinanyuk. Quite obviously, as shown in the mural, Yanggendyinanyuka was tracing a few footprints in the bush, and he looked like thinking very seriously. If you look for more details from the top left hand corner of the mural, you could probably find three children sitting on a wood/rock and waiting for help.😉
What an interesting and impressive artwork, telling a story of a local aboriginal leader that happened 161 years ago. It really helped me to understand the history of this region and the story of the aboriginal people Wotjobaluk Country.
P.S.: Google advises me that the first silo art was created in Northam, WA in 2015, and there are now almost 50 silo art sites in Australia. I reckon this one at Horsham could be one of the best in Australia. It's definitely worth a stopover if you are travelling on a road trip between Melbourne and Adelaide. In fact, Horsham is the biggest city in western Victoria, and from this point towards Adelaide, there are only a few small towns. Therefore, Horsham is also a good place for an overnight stop if it is too challenging for you to finish the road trip between MEL and ADL...
Read moreThe Horsham Silo Art is a captivating and culturally rich landmark that beautifully celebrates the life and story of the Wotjobaluk warrior, Yanggendyinanyuk. The artwork, titled "Yangga Dyata" (Walking on Country), is both visually striking and deeply meaningful.
Yanggendyinanyuk's name, which means "his walking feet" in the Wergala language, is brought to life through this stunning mural. The adjacent flour mill features his totem, the Black Cockatoo, adding another layer of significance and beauty to the installation.
This art piece invites visitors and residents alike to delve into the rich Aboriginal heritage and living culture of the region. It's more than just a visual experience; it's an educational journey that honors the history and traditions of the Wotjobaluk people.
Whether you're an art enthusiast or someone interested in learning about Aboriginal culture, the Horsham Silo Art is a must-visit. The combination of artistic skill and cultural storytelling makes it a standout attraction that leaves a...
Read moreThe Horsham Silo Art is really cool! These big paintings on the silos are so colorful and detailed. They tell stories about the town's history and culture, which is really interesting to see. If you're ever in Horsham or the surrounding area, make sure to check out the silo art—it's a unique and...
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